How to Become an Ambulance Driver

From driver to emergency responder: the changing role of ambulance professionals.

The role of an ambulance driver has evolved significantly over the decades. Once viewed primarily as someone tasked with rushing patients to the hospital, today’s ambulance drivers are highly trained professionals who play a critical role in emergency medical services (EMS). Modern ambulance drivers are not just behind the wheel—they are often certified EMTs or paramedics equipped with life-saving skills, making them vital members of healthcare teams.

This evolution reflects the increasing complexity of prehospital care and the growing demand for skilled responders who can manage high-pressure situations. If you’re considering a career as an ambulance driver, understanding the education, training, and responsibilities required today is key to stepping into this dynamic and impactful role.

What Does an Ambulance Driver Do?

An ambulance driver’s primary responsibility is to safely and efficiently transport patients to and from medical facilities during emergencies and non-emergencies. However, the role often goes beyond simply driving. Depending on the employer and regional requirements, ambulance drivers may also assist with loading and unloading patients, maintaining the cleanliness and readiness of the ambulance, and monitoring equipment to ensure it is fully functional.

In many cases, ambulance drivers are also certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or paramedics. This means they are trained to provide basic or advanced medical care en route, such as performing CPR, administering oxygen, or controlling bleeding. They must also possess excellent communication skills to coordinate with dispatch, relay patient information to receiving medical teams, and reassure patients and their families during stressful situations.

Ultimately, an ambulance driver serves as both a skilled driver and a critical link in the chain of emergency medical care, ensuring patients receive timely and safe transportation while upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Here are some of the other duties that can take an ambulance driver may perform:

• Safe Transportation: Operate the ambulance safely and efficiently, adhering to traffic laws and emergency response protocols.
• Patient Loading and Unloading: Assist with lifting, moving, and securing patients on stretchers or gurneys, ensuring their safety and comfort.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Perform routine checks and maintenance of the ambulance, including fuel levels, tire pressure, and cleanliness.
• Equipment Readiness: Ensure all medical equipment and supplies in the ambulance are functional, stocked, and ready for use.
• Emergency Medical Support: Provide basic life support or assist EMTs and paramedics in administering care during transport (if certified).
• Communication: Maintain clear and effective communication with dispatch, hospital staff, and emergency personnel.
• Documentation: Record trip details, patient information, and other required reports accurately and promptly.
• Emotional Support: Provide reassurance and comfort to patients and their families during stressful or traumatic situations.
• Coordination with Teams: Work collaboratively with EMTs, paramedics, and healthcare professionals to ensure seamless patient care.
• Adherence to Protocols: Follow all local, state, and employer regulations regarding patient transport and medical emergencies.

The Evolution of Ambulance Drivers to EMTs

Historically, the primary responsibility of ambulance drivers was to transport patients to medical facilities with minimal medical intervention en route. However, with the progression of EMS, the role has expanded to encompass comprehensive prehospital care. In the healthcare industry, licensed EMTs operate most ambulances, according to Indeed.com. While some organizations employ emergency vehicle operators who strictly drive ambulances, many organizations prefer to hire licensed EMTs to drive and care for patients.

Advancements in EMS and Ambulance Capabilities

Modern ambulances are now equipped with sophisticated medical equipment and life-saving supplies, effectively functioning as mobile emergency rooms. This advancement enables EMS providers to perform critical interventions such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation, and the administration of advanced pharmaceuticals on-site, significantly improving patient outcomes during emergencies.

Current Workforce Statistics

According to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), as of June 6, 2025, there are approximately 527,048 nationally certified EMS clinicians in the United States.  This figure represents a significant increase from previous years, reflecting a growing workforce dedicated to providing emergency medical services nationwide. This workforce comprises various certification levels, including Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs), EMTs, Advanced EMTs (AEMTs), and paramedics.

Is Medical Training Required to Become an Ambulance Driver?

While some states may not legally require medical training to operate an ambulance, the prevailing trend among EMS organizations is to employ personnel with medical certifications. This practice ensures that ambulance drivers are equipped to provide immediate medical care, reflecting the evolving responsibilities within the EMS profession.

Regardless of varying state requirements, most Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations prioritize hiring individuals with medical certifications. This approach ensures that ambulance personnel can provide immediate medical assistance when necessary. The integration of medical training for ambulance drivers aligns with the modern EMS model, where timely medical interventions during transport can significantly impact patient outcomes. With this in mind, most ambulance drivers have medical training and can perform essential procedures, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS), before reaching a healthcare facility. Consequently, many EMS organizations require certifications like CPR or BLS for ambulance drivers. 

How to Get Hired as an Ambulance Driver

Securing a position as an ambulance driver requires a combination of medical training, certifications, and specialized driving skills. By fulfilling these requirements and obtaining the necessary certifications, candidates can enhance their employability as ambulance drivers, equipped to provide both safe transportation and essential medical care. While specific requirements vary by state and employer, the following steps outline the general pathway to entering this vital role:

1. Obtain a High School Diploma or GED: A high school diploma or equivalent is the foundational educational requirement for aspiring ambulance drivers.
2. Complete an EMT Training Program: Most ambulance drivers are required to be certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).Upon completion of EMT training, candidates must pass both cognitive (knowledge) and psychomotor (skills) examinations administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).Learn more about how to become an EMT.
3. Obtain CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) Certifications: Even in regions where EMT certification is not mandatory, employers often require ambulance drivers to hold current CPR and BLS certifications. The American Red Cross offers CPR and BLS certification training and if you’re in Arizona, you can obtain certification from Unitek EMT.
4. Complete an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC): Specialized training in operating emergency vehicles is crucial. The EVOC curriculum, such as that developed by EMS1 Academy, teaches first responders the necessary skills to operate an emergency vehicle safely. It can include safe driving techniques and requirements, how to deal with distracted drivers, legal aspects of emergency vehicle operations, vehicle dynamics, and navigation skills.
5. Meet Additional State and Employer Requirements: Additional prerequisites may include being at least 18 years old and possessing a high school diploma or GED, undergoing criminal background checks and drug screenings, and meeting health and physical fitness standards to perform job duties effectively.

Learn more on how to become an EMT and gain a comprehensive overview of this career.

State Requirements for Ambulance Drivers

Driving an ambulance is far from a routine task—it’s a high-stakes responsibility that demands skill, focus, and quick decision-making. Ambulance drivers must safely maneuver a 14,000+ pound emergency vehicle through congested streets, adverse weather conditions, and high-pressure situations, all while ensuring the comfort and safety of patients receiving treatment en route. It’s a role that combines technical expertise with an acute awareness of public safety.

Despite the critical nature of this job, less than half of U.S. states mandate specialized training, like the Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC), for ambulance drivers. According to a study referenced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as of December 2019, 17 of the 38 States that responded indicated they required EVOC for all operators, but the oversight of this requirement appeared limited. Specifically, the study found that 43 out of 54 surveyed jurisdictions did not mandate any form of EVOC training before permitting individuals to operate an ambulance.

For a complete list of the states and their EVOC requirements, refer to page 42 of the report published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

How Much Are Ambulance Drivers Paid?

According to the BLS, the mean annual wage for ambulance drivers in May 2024 was $35,550.  Salaries vary depending on geographic location, level of experience and additional certifications.

The BLS data for EMTs and Paramedics as of May 2024 is substantially higher, with EMTs earning closer to $44,790 and Paramedics at $60,610. The salary* for all these jobs is highly dependent level of experience, geographic location, and certifications. As of August 2024, the job outlook and overall employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

Top Paying Industries for Ambulance Drivers (Source: BLS)
The salary is highly dependent level of experience, geographic location, and certifications.

Industry	Hourly mean wage	Annual mean wage
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals	$18.82	$39,140
Offices of Physicians	$18.48	$38,450
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools	$18.48	$38,440
Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly	$18.30	$38,070
Other Support Services	$18.26	$37,990

Top Paying States for Ambulance Drivers (Source:  BLS)
The salary is highly dependent level of experience, geographic location, and certifications.

State	Hourly mean wage	Annual mean wage
Louisiana	$32.83	$68,280
Minnesota	$20.09	$41,790
Maryland	$20.06	$41,720
Oregon	$19.74	$41,070
Massachusetts	$19.54	$40,650

Top Paying Cities for Ambulance Drivers (Source: BLS)
The salary is highly dependent level of experience, geographic location, and certifications.

City	Hourly mean wage	Annual mean wage
Nashville, TN	$22.43	$46,660
Indianapolis, IN	$21.12	$43,930
Washington DC	$20.96	$43,590
Boston, MA	$19.66	$40,890
New York, NY	$19.60	$40,770

Jumpstart Your EMS Career with Unitek EMT’s Fast-Track Training

There’s no better time to start your career as a medical first responder or ambulance driver. With a growing demand for skilled professionals in medical facilities nationwide, the opportunity to make a difference is within reach.

Unitek EMT offers an accelerated 14-Day EMT Boot Camp that equips you with the skills you need to succeed. Taught by experienced EMS professionals, the program includes hands-on exercises, active learning, and clinical simulations to get you career-ready faster.